Your walk or drive will take you through rural countryside, beach settlements and urban landscapes while you learn about some major events which have shaped the regions character.

The walking trails are not too taxing, most take around two hours, while the driving trails may take a little longer as you wind through countryside to link one settlement with another.

The heritage trails are designed to be completed at your own pace, in your own time and due to the generally terrific weather done at any time of the year.

My picks include the Ahuriri Walk (Napier). This one takes you through one of Napier’s oldest suburbs and includes the iconic National Tobacco Company building.

The Havelock North trails. One of these trails includes views of historic buildings dating from the 1860s while the Village Walk passes sites of geological and ecological interest.

The Coastal Trail in Central Hawke’s Bay. Here you will explore a coastline of great historic significance to Maori including links to the famous explorer, Kupe.

And, here is the next bit of good news, the trails are free. Yes, you pay nothing to follow the well signposted trails which are detailed in brochures available at iSites, visitor centres, the Art Deco Shop in Napier and the Department of Conservation, Napier, or hastingsdc.govt.nz/heritage-trails.

By car or by foot, Hawke’s Bay’s heritage trails really are a must do during your visit to the region.